Manaslu is an awe-inspiring mountain located in the Himalayas of Nepal. At 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level, it is the world's eighth highest mountain and a major challenge for climbers.
The mountain, also known as "Mountain of the Spirit," has seen its fair share of history, as it was first ascended in 1956 by a Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi. Since then, Manaslu has become a popular destination for experienced climbers from all over the world.
General Information
Manaslu is a stunning mountain located in the western part of Nepal. It is the world's eighth highest mountain, with an elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). It was first summited in 1956 by a Japanese expedition and is a popular destination for mountaineers from around the world.
Manaslu is sometimes referred to as the 'Mountain of the Spirit' and is known for its remarkable beauty and challenging climbing routes. The mountain is surrounded by five peaks over 7,000 meters, including Himalchuli, Peak 29, Ngadi Chuli, Gyaji Kang and Shringi Himal.
Location
Manaslu is located in west-central Nepal in the Gorkha District. The mountain lies on the border of Nepal and Tibet, China and rises 8,163 meters (26,781 ft) above sea level. Manaslu is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area, which was established in 1998 to protect and preserve the area’s natural environment and rich biodiversity.
Manaslu is situated in an incredibly rugged terrain, surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks and high-altitude meadows. The nearby villages of Samagaun, Chyakhu, and Dharche offer stunning views of the mountain and are popular trekking destinations for those seeking to explore its beauty.
Geography
Manaslu is located in the western region of Nepal, part of the Himalayan mountain range (one of the world's major mountain ranges), near the border of China and Tibet. It's around 40 miles from Annapurna, the world's tenth-highest mountain. This area of the Himalayas is known as the Nepalese Himalaya. The mountain stands at 26,781 feet above sea level and has a gentle slope along its entire length.
Manaslu is surrounded by other peaks that are each over 7,000 meters (22,966 feet) high. All of these peaks are connected by long ridges and valleys. The mountain is mainly composed of rocks and minerals from the marine sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks that formed over millions of years.
The mountain is bordered by three major rivers. They provide access to the village of Samagaon and many other smaller villages in the surrounding areas.
The environment around Manaslu is characterized by temperate forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and high-altitude vegetation. The lower elevations of the mountain have lush green forests, while higher elevations are sparsely populated and feature rocky terrain. There is a wide variety of wildlife in this area, including Himalayan Tahr, snow leopards, red pandas, Asiatic black bears, and pikas.
Climate
The climate around Manaslu is generally cold and alpine, as it is located in the Himalayan region. Temperatures average -13°F (-25°C) in the winter and 55°F (13°C) in the summer. The temperatures can vary considerably between day and night, and can drop significantly lower at higher altitudes.
The area receives significant precipitation throughout the year. Average annual precipitation ranges from 17 to 20 inches (430 to 500 mm). Most of this precipitation falls between June and September as monsoon rains. During these months, the mountain is prone to heavy snowfall. Winters are relatively dry with some snow accumulation. The summit has an average of 11 feet (3.5 m) of snow cover during the winter months.
History
Manaslu has an interesting history. It was first climbed in 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, two Japanese climbers.
This peak does not have the long history of failed attempts that other large mountains in the range do. There were several parties that visited the mountain in the early to mid 1950s until the successful summit in 1956.
The mountain is well-known for its extreme avalanche danger. In the 50s, an avalanche killed 18 people and destroyed a monastery, angering the locals and leading to multiple conflicts with visiting mountaineers.
Amaxingly, the second successful climb didn't occur until 1971, when Kazuharu Kohara and Motoki, along with a large team, reached the summit. They climbed the north-west spur route.
Since mountaineering began on the peak, 53 people have lost their lives, and 297 people have successfully reached the summit.
Manaslu Treking Circuit
The very popular Manaslue treking circuit allows hikers the opportunity to see this incredibly mountain, and others, from the safety of a long-distance, guided hike. The route is 110 miles long, or 177 kilometers. Along the hike, you can see 10 mountains that are over 22,900 feet. The highest point along the hike is almost 17,000 feet.
Manalsu Trek vs. Annapurna Trek
As popular as the Manaslu Trek is the similar Annapurna Trek. The latter is generally considered to be easier. It passes through fewer villages and is better for someone who has never been to the area before. The Manaslu Trek sees fewer hikers, meaning that if you're looking for a more isolated adventure, it may be a better choice.
Facts about Manaslu
1. Manaslu is the world's eighth highest mountain, standing at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level.
2. It is located in the Gorkha district of Nepal and is part of the Himalayas mountain range.
3. Manaslu was first climbed by a Japanese expedition on May 9th, 1956, by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu.
4. The mountain is part of the Manaslu Conservation Area.
5. Manaslu is also known as "Kutang" or "The Mountain of Spirits."
6. The trek to the base camp of Manaslu is considered to be one of the most scenic treks in the Himalayas.
7. The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to a variety of plants and animals, including snow leopards, pikas, musk deer, and red pandas.
8. The Manaslu Circuit trek, a high-altitude trek that passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, is becoming increasingly popular with tourists and mountaineers.
9. Manaslu is one of the most famous mountains in Nepal.